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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has intensified enforcement of pollution mitigation measures in the National Capital Region (NCR) under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Punjab and Haryana were directed to resolve inconsistencies in Environmental Compensation cases and expedite stubble-burning verifications. Delhi-NCR states must intensify inspections, halt construction violations, and impound non-compliant vehicles. Authorities were instructed to address citizen complaints promptly and adhere to Supreme Court directives on brick kilns and waste management. Daily reporting of GRAP actions has been mandated, with officials warned of accountability under the CAQM Act for enforcement failures, reflecting a focused effort to combat air pollution.
The Central Pollution Watchdog, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), has issued a series of directives to address enforcement gaps in pollution mitigation measures. The focus remains on strengthening the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and intensifying actions against violators. During a recent sub-committee meeting, the CAQM reviewed sector-specific enforcement efforts across National Capital Region (NCR) states, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), and Punjab. The meeting aimed to address air pollution challenges in the NCR amidst the ongoing implementation of GRAP measures. Advertisement
The CAQM has urged Punjab and Haryana to address inconsistencies in cases involving Environmental Compensation (EC) where mismatches exist between imposed penalties and FIRs filed. The states were also directed to expedite fire incident verifications within 24 hours and ensure robust implementation of measures to prevent paddy stubble burning. Further instructions were given to all Delhi-NCR states to intensify inspections, halt construction and demolition activities that violate GRAP guidelines, and take strict action against defaulters. Special enforcement drives were mandated to impound End-of-Life (EoL) vehicles and penalise those operating without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
Authorities were also asked to resolve pending citizen complaints on social media platforms and apps promptly, with regular updates tagged to the CAQM for monitoring. Additionally, daily reporting of GRAP-related enforcement actions has been made mandatory. The commission emphasised the importance of adhering to Supreme Court directives on regulating brick kilns and improving waste management practices to curb biomass and municipal solid waste burning.
Measures to manage traffic congestion points were also highlighted as a critical area requiring immediate attention. The CAQM warned officials across all agencies of strict accountability under the CAQM Act in cases of enforcement laxity. These directives underscore the need for a collaborative and rigorous approach to combat air pollution and ensure compliance with existing regulations in the NCR.
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